All articles tagged with #baby health
The parents of six-month-old Rory, who suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy and is awaiting a heart transplant, are pleading for organ donors amid a record-high UK waiting list and declining donor numbers, highlighting the urgent need for increased organ donation registration to save lives.
Breast milk is considered "Liquid Gold" and provides complete nutrition for infants in the first 6 months, meeting their calorie, protein, and fat needs. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization until 6 months of age, with no need for water during this period. Proper nutrition in the first 6 months is crucial for a child's long-term health, and breastfeeding mothers should focus on a balanced diet, adequate fluid intake, and avoiding certain foods and substances. While efforts to replicate breast milk's benefits continue, its unique composition remains unmatched, making it the gold standard for infant nutrition.
Research shows that kissing and cuddling newborns, especially those born premature or with health problems, can pose serious health risks due to their vulnerable immune systems. Despite the risk, many parents feel uneasy asking visitors not to touch or kiss their baby, fearing offense or being labeled overprotective. Setting boundaries with friends and family can be difficult, but experts advise calmly and firmly explaining concerns about infections and trusting parental instincts to keep the baby safe and healthy. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand-washing and avoiding contact when unwell, can help lower the risk of passing on infections to young babies.
Hair tourniquet syndrome is a rare condition where a strand of hair wraps tightly around a baby's body part, cutting off blood flow and potentially causing long-term injury or amputation if left untreated. New parents are advised to regularly check their baby's fingers, toes, and genitals for hair entanglement, especially during postpartum hair loss. If hair is found, it should be removed carefully to avoid injury, and seeking medical help is recommended if the hair cannot be removed at home. Symptoms of hair tourniquet syndrome include excessive crying, fussiness, swelling, and discoloration of the affected area.
Doctors are warning parents about the dangers of feeding honey to infants under the age of 1 due to the risk of infantile botulism, which can be fatal or cause nerve damage and paralysis. Honey can be contaminated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which releases a toxin that infants' immature systems cannot prevent. Symptoms of infant botulism include breathing difficulties, constipation, saggy eyelids, and a "floppy" body. A TikTok personality from Singapore, Dr. Sam, shared a cautionary tale of a baby who developed severe health issues after consuming honey-laced pacifiers. The baby was successfully treated, but the incident highlights the importance of avoiding honey for infants.
Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both babies and mothers, including protection against infections and chronic illnesses. Lactation consultants, such as international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLCs), play a crucial role in supporting and educating new mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals. They can address concerns, such as pain during breastfeeding or low milk production, and help build confidence in mothers. It is important to debunk common misconceptions about breastfeeding, such as the belief that it is always painful or that mothers won't produce enough milk. Lactation consultants aim to ensure families feel comfortable and confident throughout their breastfeeding journey.